If you're an internationally trained optometrist aspiring to practise in the UK, the first official step in your journey is registration with the General Optical Council (GOC), the UK's regulatory body for optometrists and dispensing opticians. GOC registration is your license to practise and the gateway to all further steps including pre-registration training and taking the OSCE exam.

As the first Nigerian to pass the UK qualifying exams on the first attempt and now the CEO of ACN Academy,I’ve supported hundreds of international optometrists through the GOC process. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what GOC registration entails, and how to make your application as smooth and successful as possible.

What Is the GOC?

The General Optical Council (GOC) is the statutory body that regulates the optical profession in the UK. Anyone who wants to practise as an optometrist in the UK must be registered with the GOC. For international candidates, this means having your overseas qualifications and clinical experience assessed for equivalency to UK standards.

The GOC ensures that:

• Your academic qualifications meet minimum training standards

• Your clinical experience is recent and relevant

• You meet English language proficiency

• You understand and commit to professional conduct expected in the UK

Who Should Apply?

You should apply for GOC assessment if you:

• Hold a university degree in optometry from your home country (e.g., Nigeria, India, Ghana, Philippines, Saudi Arabia)

• Have at least one year of clinical experience within the past ten years

• Intend to practise as an optometrist in the UK

• Can demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS or OET)

✅ Important: You do not need a UK-based Master's degree or prior UK clinical experience to begin this process.

Step-by-Step GOC Registration Process

1. Self-Assessment

Start with the GOC's international optometrist self-assessment tool. This helps you determine your eligibility and prepares you for what documentation is required.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather and prepare certified copies of the following:

• Academic qualifications (transcripts, certificates)

• Clinical experience (job role, duties, dates)

• Updated CV

• Professional reference letters

• Passport and proof of ID

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS Academic min 7.0 in all bands or OET Grade B in all components)

3. Submit Your Application

You’ll complete the application form and submit all documents to the GOC. Expect to pay fees at various stages, including:

• Qualification verification fee

• Document processing fee

• Interview fee (if invited)

Fees may vary, but budgeting around £700–£900 total is typical.

4. Undergo the GOC Interview

If your documents are approved, you will be invited for a GOC assessment interview. This is a clinical and professional discussion where assessors evaluate whether your knowledge and skills meet UK standards.

👉 Related post: [Ace the GOC Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare]

5. Receive Your Outcome

Based on your interview and documentation, you will receive one of the following outcomes:

• Approved to proceed to pre-registration training (Scheme for Registration)

• Required to complete an adaptation course.

• Not eligible( Rejection)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or unverified documents

• Providing unclear or generic clinical experience (instead, be specific about your patient responsibilities)

• Not meeting the English language score required

• Failing to research UK clinical guidelines before your interview

How ACN Academy Can Help

At ACN Academy, we specialize in supporting international optometrists with every step of the GOC process. Our services include:

• Application review and documentation audit

• Interview coaching and clinical preparation

• Competency mapping against UK standards

• Mock interviews with feedback

We have a proven track record of helping overseas optometrists get approved without the need for expensive adaptation courses.

Final Words

Registering with the GOC is not just paperwork it's your first step toward a successful optometry career in the UK. With the right support and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to guide you.

Download the Free Step to step guide here at optom.acnacademy.com